The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Microsoft and Boosteroid announced a 10-year cloud-gaming agreement on March 14, 2023. It concerned access to eligible Xbox PC games on Boosteroid—not an acquisition, free games, or a promise that every Xbox title would be available. For players, access depends on the supported game, a qualifying PC-game entitlement and a Boosteroid membership.
What Microsoft and Boosteroid agreed to
The agreement was a licensing and distribution partnership: Microsoft said it would bring Xbox PC games to Boosteroid, an independent cloud-gaming provider. The announcement also said Activision Blizzard PC games, including Call of Duty, would become available after Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Boosteroid’s March 14, 2023 announcement described the term as 10 years.
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Boosteroid remained a separate service. The announcement did not mean that Microsoft bought it, that Boosteroid became Xbox Cloud Gaming, or that all Xbox console games were licensed for streaming. The stated scope was Xbox PC games, and the practical catalog depends on title support, storefront, licensing and region. Boosteroid also said at the time that it had more than four million users and was the world’s largest independent cloud-gaming provider; those were Boosteroid’s historical claims, not independently audited current figures.
What a player needs to stream a game
The agreement did not make games free. Think of access as two separate pieces: an entitlement to play a particular PC game, and a cloud service that runs it remotely. Xbox’s March 7, 2024 announcement said eligible games could be accessed through Microsoft Store purchases or qualifying PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate access, alongside a Boosteroid membership. The title must be supported on Boosteroid and available through the relevant entitlement in the player’s region. Xbox’s announcement explains the Microsoft Store and Game Pass access.
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- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
- Supported PC game: Check the exact title in Boosteroid’s current catalog. A Microsoft or Xbox game listing does not by itself establish Boosteroid support.
- Valid PC entitlement: Use the supported storefront or subscription path for that title. A Steam license and Microsoft Store license are separate; owning the console version does not automatically provide the PC version.
- Boosteroid membership: This pays for the cloud-computing service, not the game itself.
- Accounts and connection: You may need to connect the relevant game-store or Microsoft account. Streaming quality and responsiveness depend on your network, Wi-Fi conditions and distance from a supported server.
Before subscribing, confirm the exact game, storefront and region. A Game Pass subscription can provide access to eligible PC games, but it does not make the entire Game Pass catalog playable on Boosteroid. If a title does not launch, check whether it is supported through the entitlement you own, whether the correct account is linked, and whether the title is available in your country.
How the rollout changed
The 10-year announcement did not switch on a complete catalog at once. Support expanded in stages:
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- CONSOLE DESIGN: You game on a console with a console controller so why switch to a miniaturized controller? This iPhone game controller is designed for extended gameplay without compromise. That’s worry-free and stress-free gaming in your hands.
- GOODBYE TO LATENCY: As gamers, we do not want to add unnecessary latency caused by Bluetooth connections hence, our controller is direct connected. Our gamepad controller for iPhone has an ergonomic design with removable mobile support post for tactical comfort & agility so that you can show your competitors who is boss!
- TRANSFORM YOUR iPhone: Turn your mobile into a console and play wherever, whenever. Compatible with thousands of games and services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Stadia, PS Remote Play, Steam Link, Amazon Luna and more. Everything you need is included, simply plug in and play. Play online or offline and share gameplay instantly with our dedicated share button, bringing your mobile as close as ever to your console.
- LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY: Our controller is compatible with any iPhone (iOS 7 or later) and case. With our replaceable cable, you are future proofed if Apple ever change the Lightning connection to USB-C. We’re that confident, we offer a limited lifetime warranty with all our Xbox gaming controllers!
- CHARGE AS YOU PLAY: This cloud gaming controller features an improved version of our pass-through charging technology that charges as you play for unlimited gaming without draining your device. Just plug in the controller and play endlessly without the frustration of drained batteries and unfinished battles. Plus, it comes with an Audio DAC and headphone socket.
| Date | What changed |
|---|---|
| March 14, 2023 | Microsoft and Boosteroid announced the 10-year agreement for Xbox PC games, with Activision Blizzard PC games described as conditional on the acquisition closing. Announcement |
| May 22, 2023 | Xbox said eligible Microsoft games were beginning to reach Boosteroid, initially through supported Steam and Epic Games Store purchases; Microsoft Store support was planned later. Xbox rollout announcement |
| August 21, 2023 | Microsoft described a restructured Activision transaction that transferred cloud-streaming rights for current and new Activision Blizzard PC and console games released over the following 15 years to Ubisoft under the UK remedy. Microsoft’s explanation |
| October 13, 2023 | Microsoft completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Associated Press report |
| March 7, 2024 | Xbox announced Microsoft Store purchases and eligible PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate entitlements for supported games on Boosteroid, in addition to a Boosteroid membership. Xbox announcement |
Why Microsoft made the deal
For players, Microsoft presented the agreement as a way to make its PC games available through another cloud provider. Strategically, it also supported Microsoft’s argument that its gaming catalog would not be confined to its own cloud service while regulators examined its planned Activision Blizzard acquisition. Cloud distribution was a competition concern: regulators considered whether Microsoft might restrict access to Activision Blizzard games on rival streaming services.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThe Boosteroid agreement was one part of a wider set of cloud commitments, not a standalone solution that secured approval. Microsoft had announced a separate 10-year Xbox PC-game agreement with Nvidia’s GeForce NOW in February 2023. The acquisition’s eventual path also included the UK cloud-rights remedy involving Ubisoft. Microsoft’s Nvidia announcement and its explanation of the UK restructuring describe those distinct steps.
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- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
What the Activision Blizzard commitment means
The original Boosteroid announcement made Activision Blizzard availability conditional on Microsoft completing the acquisition; it was not a blanket guarantee that every Activision Blizzard game would be streamable worldwide. The acquisition closed on October 13, 2023, but regulatory arrangements shape cloud rights and distribution.
Under the UK restructuring described by Microsoft, Ubisoft received cloud-streaming rights for current and new Activision Blizzard PC and console games released over the following 15 years. Separately, Xbox’s European Economic Area FAQ describes a remedy under which consumers with a license can receive a free license to stream current and future Activision Blizzard games through a cloud service of their choice, and lists Boosteroid among providers with agreements at closing. These are distinct legal and regional arrangements; they should not be collapsed into a claim of unrestricted Microsoft control or universal Boosteroid availability. Xbox’s EEA FAQ sets out the consumer remedy.
Rank #4
- Officially licensed by Xbox. Bluetooth connection. Supports Xbox Cloud Gaming.
- Officially supported by Apple. Compatible with Apple and Android devices. Stretchable design fits most phones (100–170mm in length).
- Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers - Upgraded. Robust and long-lasting. Offering higher precision and sensitivity.
- Tactile bumpers and D-pad, 2 Pro back paddle buttons, Xbox button, and wear-resistant metal joystick rings for more ways to play.
- Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 on mobile.
Boosteroid versus Xbox Cloud Gaming
Boosteroid is an independent provider that streams supported games users can access through compatible storefronts or subscriptions, and it requires its own membership. Xbox Cloud Gaming is Microsoft’s service, tied to its supported cloud catalog and eligible Game Pass benefits. It is not a general-purpose remote PC for every game a user owns. Their catalogs, entitlements and play rules are not interchangeable, so compare the exact game and the total cost rather than assuming one service includes the other.
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It may suit someone who already has a supported PC-game entitlement but lacks hardware capable of running the game locally. It is less suitable if your desired title is unsupported, you own only its console version, you want a guaranteed all-you-can-play catalog, or your internet connection is unstable or high-latency. Cloud play trades local hardware requirements for dependence on streaming infrastructure and network conditions; a Boosteroid membership does not remove the need for game access.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
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